MILAN (AP) – Carlo Petrini, the founder of the Slow Food global grassroots movement, died on Friday at the age of 76 in his hometown in Italy's northwestern Piedmont region. The organization announced his passing, highlighting his legacy as a visionary leader and a public intellectual dedicated to the common good, human relationships, and the natural world.
The Slow Food movement emerged in response to the rise of fast food in Italy. Its origins date back to a protest in 1986 at the steps of the recently opened McDonald’s near Rome’s Spanish Steps, where activists declared their mission to promote local and traditional cuisine. Initially named Arcigola, the movement's focus on sustainable food practices and local food cultures quickly garnered attention and support.
On December 9, 1989, in Paris, Petrini was elected president when over 20 delegations from around the globe signed the Slow Food Manifesto. He led the organization until 2022, during which time it flourished under the principle that food should be "good, clean, and fair." This philosophy helped the movement expand not only throughout Italy but also into over 160 countries worldwide. Restaurants that align with these principles are distinguished by Slow Food stickers, recognizable by the snail logo and formally referred to as the Snail of Approval.
Among the pivotal initiatives launched by Slow Food was the establishment of Terra Madre in 2004. This initiative fostered a network consisting of farmers, fishers, chefs, and academics who collectively worked to promote sustainable food systems. Petrini also founded the University of Gastronomic Sciences, regarded as the first academic institution dedicated to the multidisciplinary study of food and food culture. The university's approach was later recognized by the Italian government when it established a Bachelor's degree in gastronomic sciences in 2017. Located in northern Italy, the institution has trained around 4,000 food professionals from 100 countries.
In addition to his efforts with Slow Food, Petrini co-founded the Laudato Si’ Communities in 2017 along with Monsignor Domenico Pompili, the bishop of Verona. This initiative sought to implement the principles outlined in Pope Francis' environmental encyclical, resulting in the formation of a network of approximately 80 local groups focusing on ecological and sustainable practices.
Petrini authored several influential books, including "Slow Food Nation: Why Our Food Should Be Good, Clean and Fair," and "Slow Food: The Case for Taste," which features a foreword by Alice Waters, a prominent advocate of the farm-to-table movement in the United States. Through his writings and his life's work, Petrini championed the belief that food should not only nourish but also enrich cultural identities and encourage sustainable practices.
As a key figure in the movement towards sustainable food production and a champion of local cuisines, Carlo Petrini's contributions to gastronomy and environmental sustainability have left an indelible mark on global food culture and awareness.
Colleen Barry, The Associated Press
